Integrated Analysis of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Exposure and Metabolic Profiling of Elderly Residents Living near Industrial Plants.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are widely used in industrial production, causing potential health risks to the residents living around chemical industrial plants; however, the lack of data on population exposure and adverse effects impedes our understanding and ability to prevent risks. In this study, we performed screening and association analysis on exogenous PFAS pollutants and endogenous small-molecule metabolites in the serum of elderly residents living near industrial plants. Exposure levels of 11 legacy and novel PFASs were determined. PFOA and PFOS were major contributors, and PFNA, PFHxS, and 6:2 Cl-PFESA also showed high detection frequencies. Association analysis among PFASs and 287 metabolites identified via non-target screening was performed with adjustments of covariates and false discovery rate. Strongly associated metabolites were predominantly lipid and lipid-like molecules. Steroid hormone biosynthesis, primary bile acid biosynthesis, and fatty-acid-related pathways, including biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acid metabolism, α-linolenic acid metabolism, and fatty acid biosynthesis, were enriched as the metabolic pathways associated with mixed exposure to multiple PFASs, providing metabolic explanation and evidence for the potential mediating role of adverse health effects as a result of PFAS exposure. Our study achieved a comprehensive screening of PFAS exposure and associated metabolic profiling, demonstrating the promising application for integrated analysis of exposome and metabolome.

Transcription factor WRKY75 maintains auxin homeostasis to promote tomato defense against Pseudomonas syringae.

The hemibiotrophic bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae infects a range of plant species and causes enormous economic losses. Auxin and WRKY transcription factors play crucial roles in plant responses to P. syringae, but their functional relationship in plant immunity remains unclear. Here, we characterized tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) SlWRKY75, which promotes defenses against P. syringae pv. tomato (Pst) DC3000 by regulating plant auxin homeostasis. Overexpressing SlWRKY75 resulted in low free indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) levels, leading to attenuated auxin signaling, decreased expansin transcript levels, upregulated expression of PATHOGENESIS-RELATED GENES (PRs) and NONEXPRESSOR OF PATHOGENESIS-RELATED GENE 1 (NPR1), and enhanced tomato defenses against Pst DC3000. RNA interference-mediated repression of SlWRKY75 increased tomato susceptibility to Pst DC3000. Yeast one-hybrid, electrophoretic mobility shift assays, and luciferase activity assays suggested that SlWRKY75 directly activates the expression of GRETCHEN HAGEN 3.3 (SlGH3.3), which encodes an IAA-amido synthetase. SlGH3.3 enhanced tomato defense against Pst DC3000 by converting free IAA to the aspartic acid (Asp)-conjugated form IAA-Asp. In addition, SlWRKY75 interacted with a tomato valine-glutamine (VQ) motif-containing protein 16 (SlVQ16) in vivo and in vitro. SlVQ16 enhanced SlWRKY75-mediated transcriptional activation of SlGH3.3 and promoted tomato defense responses to Pst DC3000. Our findings illuminate a mechanism in which the SlVQ16-SlWRKY75 complex participates in tomato pathogen defense by positively regulating SlGH3.3-mediated auxin homeostasis.

'Nine Steaming Nine Sun-drying' processing enhanced properties of Polygonatum kingianum against inflammation, oxidative stress and hyperglycemia.

BACKGROUND: Polygonatum kingianum Coll. & Hemsl (PK), a prominent medicine and food homology plant, has been consumed as a decoction from boiling water for thousands of years. 'Nine Steaming Nine Sun-drying' processing has been considered an effective method for enriching tonic properties, but studies investigating such impacts on PK and underlying mechanisms are extremely rare. RESULTS: We first demonstrated substantial improvements in the anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperglycemia effects of the Nine Steaming Nine Sun-drying processed PK water extracts compared with crude PK in cell models (i.e., HepG2 and Raw 264.7 cells). We then integrated foodomics and network pharmacology analysis to uncover the key compounds responsible for the improved benefits. A total of 551 metabolites of PK extracts were identified, including polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, and organic acids. During processing, 204 metabolites were enhanced, and 32 metabolites were recognized as key constituents of processed PK responsible for the improved health-promoting activities, which may affect PI3K-Akt-, MAPK-, and HIF-1 pathways. We further confirmed the high affinity between identified key constituents of processed PK and their predicted acting targets using molecular docking. CONCLUSION: Our results provide novel insights into bioactive compounds of processed PK, elaborating the rationality of processing from the perspective of tonic effects. Consuming processed PK could be an efficacious strategy to combat the high prevalence of metabolic diseases that currently affect millions of people worldwide. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Trilingual and Multicultural Experiences Mitigating Students' Linguistic Stereotypes: Investigating the Perceptions of Undergraduates of Chinese Heritage Regarding Native/Non-Native English Teachers.

Student stereotyping of non-native English-speaking teachers is a common focus of research and there is a paucity of studies targeting trilingual students of multicultural backgrounds. The present study aims to investigate the dimensions of trilingual Chinese heritage undergraduates' perceptions of English teachers from Kachru's stratification of native-English-speaking (Inner-circle), ESL (Outer-circle) and EFL (Expanding-circle) regions. A mixed study design was used to collect data including online questionnaires and an offline semi-structured interview. Quantitative findings indicate the subjects' preference for native speaking teachers, together with a hierarchical ranking in teacher assessments according to race/ethnicity. Qualitative findings demonstrate that students are also less biased on racial grounds, considering all teachers are "qualified and good enough", hence the "Inner > Outer > Expanding = Qualified > Unqualified" result. Multilingual and multicultural factors have been used to account for the mitigated linguistic stereotypes from sociocultural and political perspectives. Findings of this study challenge but nevertheless also confirm to some extent the traditional native/non-native dichotomy that manifests raciolinguistic traits and support Kachru's stratification with statistical evidence. Educational implications are discussed to benefit future practice to further eliminate student prejudice and to better prepare native Chinese teachers of the English language.

Comparative genomics reveals the hybrid origin of a macaque group.

Although species can arise through hybridization, compelling evidence for hybrid speciation has been reported only rarely in animals. Here, we present phylogenomic analyses on genomes from 12 macaque species and show that the fascicularis group originated from an ancient hybridization between the sinica and silenus groups ~3.45 to 3.56 million years ago. The X chromosomes and low-recombination regions exhibited equal contributions from each parental lineage, suggesting that they were less affected by subsequent backcrossing and hence could have played an important role in maintaining hybrid integrity. We identified many reproduction-associated genes that could have contributed to the development of the mixed sexual phenotypes characteristic of the fascicularis group. The phylogeny within the silenus group was also resolved, and functional experimentation confirmed that all extant Western silenus species are susceptible to HIV-1 infection. Our study provides novel insights into macaque evolution and reveals a hybrid speciation event that has occurred only very rarely in primates.

'Drawing out the Whole Picture': Positive and Gestalt Effects of Taking Sign-Based Notes on Listening Performance in Chinese ESL Classrooms.

The effort to design a most ideal strategy for L2 learners to take notes in L2 (EFL/EMI/EAP) classrooms has received growing attention. However, note-taking has been repeatedly tested and reported diverging impacts on students' learning. This study investigates the effects of sign-based note-taking (SBN) with the traditional way of using pens and paper, and it features the cognitive processes of understanding and creating notes. SBN guides students to comprehend and draw a gestalt of notes using signs (i.e., icons, indices, and symbols). In a 16-week mixed study, three types of interventions-a traditional treatment, TOEFL's 'good-note guidance' (GNG), and SBN-were administered to three separate student groups, namely a control group (CG) and two experiment groups (EG1 and EG2). Pre-, post-, delayed tests, questionnaires, and post-intervention interviews were conducted and analyzed for the needs and the effects of interventions on listening performances. Findings are as follows: only EG2 achieved significantly higher performance regardless of instructor's influence, proving gestalt-based SBN an effective cognitive practice; GNG improved performance over time; students favored SBN, wanting longer-duration guidance. These results confirm that gestalt strengthens memory for L2 listening and yields pedagogical implications for L2 Listening classrooms.

ETHYLENE-INSENSITIVE 3-LIKE 2 regulates ß-carotene and ascorbic acid accumulation in tomatoes during ripening.

ETHYLENE-INSENSITIVE 3/ETHYLENE-INSENSITIVE 3-LIKEs (EIN3/EILs) are important ethylene response factors during fruit ripening. Here, we discovered that EIL2 controls carotenoid metabolism and ascorbic acid (AsA) biosynthesis in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). In contrast to the red fruits presented in the wild type (WT) 45 d after pollination, the fruits of CRISPR/Cas9 eil2 mutants and SlEIL2 RNA interference lines (ERIs) showed yellow or orange fruits. Correlation analysis of transcriptome and metabolome data for the ERI and WT ripe fruits revealed that SlEIL2 is involved in ß-carotene and AsA accumulation. ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTORs (ERFs) are the typical components downstream of EIN3 in the ethylene response pathway. Through a comprehensive screening of ERF family members, we determined that SlEIL2 directly regulates the expression of 4 SlERFs. Two of these, SlERF.H30 and SlERF.G6, encode proteins that participate in the regulation of LYCOPENE-ß-CYCLASE 2 (SlLCYB2), encoding an enzyme that mediates the conversion of lycopene to carotene in fruits. In addition, SlEIL2 transcriptionally repressed L-GALACTOSE 1-PHOSPHATE PHOSPHATASE 3 (SlGPP3) and MYO-INOSITOL OXYGENASE 1 (SlMIOX1) expression, which resulted in a 1.62-fold increase of AsA via both the L-galactose and myoinositol pathways. Overall, we demonstrated that SlEIL2 functions in controlling ß-carotene and AsA levels, providing a potential strategy for genetic engineering to improve the nutritional value and quality of tomato fruit.

Chloroplast metalloproteinase SlL2 reduces the thermotolerance of tomato by decreasing the content of SlCDJ1.

Chloroplast is one of the most sensitive organelles to heat stress in plants. In chloroplasts, various proteases affect photosynthesis by degrading proteins under stress conditions. Tomato Lutescent2 (SlL2), a chloroplast zinc metalloprotease, was previously reported to alter chloroplast development and delay fruit ripening. However, its enzyme activity and roles in plant response to abiotic stress are still unclear. Here, we confirmed that the SlL2 protein which localized on thylakoid membrane was an ATP-independent hydrolase, and SlL2 gene responded to heat stress. Phenotype analysis showed that SlL2 plays a negative role in the heat-response mechanism. Under heat stress, the transgenic plants overexpressing SlL2 (OE) grew worse than the wild type (WT), as reflected by their decreased membrane stability, osmotic-regulating substance, and antioxidative enzyme activities, as well as increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. By contrast, l2 mutant line showed the opposite phenotype and corresponding physiological indices under heat stress. In addition, overexpression of SlL2 decreased the photosynthetic activities, especially photosystem II. Moreover, SlL2 was found to interact with chloroplast-located chaperone protein SlCDJ1, decreasing its content under heat stress. These results indicate that SlL2 reduces the thermotolerance of tomato by reducing the content of SlCDJ1.

Diet-rich in wheat bran modulates tryptophan metabolism and AhR/IL-22 signalling mediated metabolic health and gut dysbacteriosis: A novel prebiotic-like activity of wheat bran.

Tryptophan metabolism has shown to involve in pathogenesis of various metabolic diseases. Gut microbiota-orientated diets hold great potentials to improve metabolic health via regulating tryptophan metabolism. The present study showed that the 6-week high fat diet (HFD) disturbed tryptophan metabolism accompanied with gut dysbacteriosis, also influenced the dietary tryptophan induced changes in cecum microbiome and serum metabolome in mice. The colonic expressions of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and interleukin-22 (IL-22) were significantly reduced in mice fed on HFD. Notably, a diet- rich in wheat bran effectively inhibited transformation of tryptophan to kynurenine-pathway metabolites, while increased melatonin and microbial catabolites, i.e. indole-3-propionic acid, indole-3-acetaldehyde and 5-hydroxy-indole-3-acetic acid. Such regulatory effects were accompanied with reduced fasting glucose and total triglycerides, and promoted AhR and IL-22 levels in HFD mice. Wheat bran increased the abundance of health promoting bacteria (e.g., Akkermansia and Lactobacillus), which were significantly correlated with tryptophan derived indolic metabolites. Additionally, beneficial modulatory effects of wheat bran on indolic metabolites in associations with gut dysbacteriosis from type 2 diabetes patients were confirmed in vitro fecal fermentation experiment. Our study proves the detrimental effects of HFD induced gut dysbacteriosis on tryptophan metabolism that may influence immune modulation, and provides novel insights in the mechanisms by which wheat bran could induce health benefits.

Study on the modification effect and mechanism of tailings powder on coal gangue-based mining cementitious filling material.

Based on the problems of high carbon emission and high cost of traditional mining methods and filling materials, the tailings powder modified Coal Gangue-based Cementitious Backfill Material (CGCBM) was used for paste filling mining. In this study, the samples were prepared with different tailings powder content and different curing ages. The compressive strength test, XRD, SEM test, and NMR test were used to explore the changes of macroscopic strength and microstructure of the material. The results show that adding 50% tailings powder has the most obvious optimization effect on the performance of CGCBM. Tailings powder particles fill the surface holes of the fine aggregate of coal gangue in the early cement hydration process, reduce the water absorption of the aggregate. In addition, the active substances such as Ca2SiO4 play the pozzolanic effect, stimulate the secondary hydration of slurry, make the microstructure closely, and thus improve the macroscopic mechanical strength.

Quantifying Concentrations and Emissions of Hexachlorobutadiene - A New Atmospheric Persistent Organic Pollutant in northern China.

Hexachlorobutadiene (HCBD) was listed as a new persistent organic pollutant for global regulation under Stockholm Convention in 2015, and there has been scarce information on its atmospheric concentrations, distributions, and emission sources. HCBD air samples were collected and analyzed to characterize concentrations and distributions at high elevation and urban sites as well as emission source locations in Northern China. We found ambient concentrations of HCBD in Northern China averaged at 34 ± 16 and 36 ± 28 pptv at urban sites in Jinan and Tai'an, respectively, and 31 ± 21 pptv at a high-elevation site Mount Tai. HCBD concentrations at the high elevation and urban sites were found to be affected by long-range transport under the influence of the East Asian monsoon climate. Over potential sources areas, we found concentrations of 76 ± 33 pptv in a mixed factory park, 59 ± 21 pptv in a rubber plant and 74 ± 8 pptv in a municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill area, which were all several times higher than in urban sites. The large concentration gradient across the various environments revealed strong emission sources of HCBD, especially over MSW landfill and Cl-compound production and application areas. An emission rate of 9.2 × 104 kg/yr and an oxidation rate of 32.9 kg/yr for HCBD were estimated for the mixed factory park. OH and Cl are much more active in reaction with HCBD than other oxidants in the atmosphere. Dry deposition and oxidation removed about 5.3% and 0.04%, respectively, of the emitted, suggesting that ∼95% of the emitted HCBD remaining in the atmosphere and could be transported for redistribution. Our findings revealed significant emission sources of HCBD in northern China, which was in turn affected by major sources in East-central China. The regional influence of HCBD pollution warrants serious concerns and points to the need to develop mitigation strategies.

Ultrasonographic scoring system for the diagnosis of adnexal torsion.

PURPOSE: To establish the utility of an ultrasonographic scoring system for the diagnosis of adnexal torsion. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzing 358 adnexal torsion cases. Using Pearson's χ2 test we determined whether ultrasonographic signs were significantly associated with adnexal torsion. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of the system. Ultimately by using binary logistic regression we established a precise and convenient scoring system. RESULTS: The torsion score was based on five criteria that were identified to be independently associated with adnexal torsion: (1) abnormal position of the index adnexa (odds ratio [OR], 2.311); (2) presence of a mass or cyst (OR, 3.495); (3) unilateral ovarian enlargement (OR, 3.051); (4) vascular pedicle twisting (OR, 2.105); and (5) peripheral hypervascularity of the corpus luteum with ovarian edema(encapsulating cyst sign) (OR, 4.164).patients with torsion who scored 0, have a predicted diagnosis rate of 20.9%; patients whose scores were 1,2 have a predicted probability of 41.8% and 66.15%, respectively. For patients with torsion scores of 3, 4, and 5, predicted diagnosis rates were 84.16%, 93.52%, and 98.27%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The ultrasonographic scoring system is feasible and precisely diagnoses adnexal torsion using ultrasound.

Growth hormone receptor gene influences mitochondrial function and chicken lipid metabolism by AMPK-PGC1α-PPAR signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: Adipose tissue is an important endocrine and energy-storage organ in organisms, and it plays a crucial role in the energy-metabolism balance. Previous studies have found that sex-linked dwarf (SLD) chickens generally have excessively high abdominal fat deposition during the growing period, which increases feeding costs. However, the underlying mechanism of this fat deposition during the growth of SLD chickens remains unknown. RESULTS: The Oil Red O staining showed that the lipid-droplet area of SLD chickens was larger than that of normal chickens in E15 and 14d. Consistently, TG content in the livers of SLD chickens was higher than that of normal chickens in E15 and 14d. Further, lower ΔΨm and lower ATP levels and higher MDA levels were observed in SLD chickens than normal chickens in both E15 and 14d. We also found that overexpression of GHR reduced the expression of genes related to lipid metabolism (AMPK, PGC1α, PPARγ, FAS, C/EBP) and oxidative phosphorylation (CYTB, CYTC, COX1, ATP), as well as reducing ΔΨm and ATP levels and increasing MDA levels. In addition, overexpression of GHR inhibited fat deposition in CPPAs, as measured by Oil Red O staining. On the contrary, knockdown of GHR had the opposite effects in vitro. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, we demonstrate that GHR promotes mitochondrial function and inhibits lipid peroxidation as well as fat deposition in vivo and in vitro. Therefore, GHR is essential for maintaining the stability of lipid metabolism and regulating mitochondrial function in chicken.

Long-Read Genome Sequencing Provides Molecular Insights into Scavenging and Societal Complexity in Spotted Hyena Crocuta crocuta.

The spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) is a large and unique terrestrial carnivore. It is a particularly fascinating species due to its distinct phenotypic traits, especially its complex social structure and scavenging lifestyle, with associated high dietary exposure to microbial pathogens. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms related to these phenotypes remain elusive. Here, we sequenced and assembled a high-quality long-read genome of the spotted hyena, with a contig N50 length of ∼13.75 Mb. Based on comparative genomics, immunoglobulin family members (e.g., IGKV4-1) showed significant adaptive duplications in the spotted hyena and striped hyena. Furthermore, immune-related genes (e.g., CD8A, LAG3, and TLR3) experienced species-specific positive selection in the spotted hyena lineage. These results suggest that immune tolerance between the spotted hyena and closely related striped hyena has undergone adaptive divergence to cope with prolonged dietary exposure to microbial pathogens from scavenging. Furthermore, we provided the potential genetic insights underlying social complexity, hinting at social behavior and cognition. Specifically, the RECNE-associated genes (e.g., UGP2 and ACTR2) in the spotted hyena genome are involved in regulation of social communication. Taken together, our genomic analyses provide molecular insights into the scavenging lifestyle and societal complexity of spotted hyenas.

Water extract of Ferula lehmanni Boiss. prevents high-fat diet-induced overweight and liver injury by modulating the intestinal microbiota in mice.

Obesity, often accompanied by hepatic steatosis, has been associated with an increased risk of health complications such as fatty liver disease and certain cancers. Ferula lehmannii Boiss., a food and medicine homologue, has been used for centuries as a seasoning showing anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant effects on digestive discomfort. In the present study, we sought to investigate whether a short-term oral administration of water extract of Ferula lehmanni Boiss. (WEFL) could prevent high-fat diet (HFD)-induced abnormal weight gain and hepatic steatosis in mice and its underlying mechanisms. WEFL reduced HFD-increased body weight, liver injury markers and inflammatory cytokines (i.e. IL-6 and IL-1ß), and inhibited the elevation of AMPKα, SREBP-1c and FAS in HFD. Moreover, WEFL reconstructed the gut microbiota composition by increasing the relative abundances of beneficial bacteria, e.g. Akkermansia spp., while decreasing Desulfovibrio spp. and so on, thereby reversing the detrimental effects of HFD in mice. Removal of the gut microbiota with antibiotics partially eliminated the hepatoprotective effects of WEFL. Notably, WEFL substantially promoted the levels of short-chain fatty acids, especially butyric acid. To clarify the functional components at play in WEFL, we used UPLC-MS/MS to comprehensively detect its substance composition and found it to be a collection of polyphenol-rich compounds. Together, our findings demonstrate that WEFL prevented HFD-induced obesity and liver injury through the hepatic-microbiota axis, and such health-promoting value might be explained by the enriched abundant polyphenols.

Hotspots, Frontiers, and Emerging Trends of Superabsorbent Polymer Research: A Comprehensive Review.

Superabsorbent polymer (SAP) is a kind of functional macromolecule with super-high water absorption and retention properties, which attracts extensive research and has wide application, especially in the areas of hygiene and agriculture. With reference to the Web of Science database, the SAP research literature from 2000 to 2019 is reviewed both quantitatively and qualitatively. By examining research hotspots, top research clusters, the most influential works, the representative frontier literature, and key emerging research trends, a visual panorama of the continuously and significantly increasing SAP research over the past 2 decades was presented, and issues behind the sharp increase in the literature were discovered. The findings are as follows. The top ten keywords/hotspots headed by hydrogel highlight the academic attention on SAP properties and composites. The top ten research themes headed by clay-based composites which boast the longest duration and the strongest impact have revealed the academic preference for application rather than theoretical study. Academically influential scholars and research studies have been acknowledged, and the Wu group was at the forefront of the research; however, more statistically significant works have been less detected in the last 10 years despite the sharper increase in publications. Hydrogel, internal curing, and aerogel are both current advances and future directions.

The complete mitogenome of giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) from two different selective breeding populations in China.

The giant freshwater prawn (GFP), Macrobrachium rosenbergii, is one of the largest freshwater shrimps in the world, being widely cultured because of its high economic value. In this study, complete mitogenomes of two GFP individuals from different selective breeding populations, 'South Taihu No.2' (ST) and 'Shufeng' (SF), were newly sequenced, compared with each other, and with those of other published Macrobrachium species. The total length is 15,767 bp (ST) and 15,766 bp (SF), including 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, and one control region. The phylogenetic analyses based on whole mitogenome sequences suggest that 'Shufeng' has a slightly distant relationship with 'South Taihu No.2', with a pairwise genetic distance of 0.011. This study can provide a genetic background for the GFP selective breeding, and add significantly to the knowledgebase regarding crustacean biology and aquaculture as well.

Large-scale genomic analysis reveals the genetic cost of chicken domestication.

BACKGROUND: Species domestication is generally characterized by the exploitation of high-impact mutations through processes that involve complex shifting demographics of domesticated species. These include not only inbreeding and artificial selection that may lead to the emergence of evolutionary bottlenecks, but also post-divergence gene flow and introgression. Although domestication potentially affects the occurrence of both desired and undesired mutations, the way wild relatives of domesticated species evolve and how expensive the genetic cost underlying domestication is remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated the demographic history and genetic load of chicken domestication. RESULTS: We analyzed a dataset comprising over 800 whole genomes from both indigenous chickens and wild jungle fowls. We show that despite having a higher genetic diversity than their wild counterparts (average π, 0.00326 vs. 0.00316), the red jungle fowls, the present-day domestic chickens experienced a dramatic population size decline during their early domestication. Our analyses suggest that the concomitant bottleneck induced 2.95% more deleterious mutations across chicken genomes compared with red jungle fowls, supporting the "cost of domestication" hypothesis. Particularly, we find that 62.4% of deleterious SNPs in domestic chickens are maintained in heterozygous states and masked as recessive alleles, challenging the power of modern breeding programs to effectively eliminate these genetic loads. Finally, we suggest that positive selection decreases the incidence but increases the frequency of deleterious SNPs in domestic chicken genomes. CONCLUSION: This study reveals a new landscape of demographic history and genomic changes associated with chicken domestication and provides insight into the evolutionary genomic profiles of domesticated animals managed under modern human selection.

High expression of BCL6 inhibits the differentiation and development of hematopoietic stem cells and affects the growth and development of chickens.

BACKGROUND: B-cell CLL/lymphoma 6 (BCL6) is a transcriptional master regulator that represses more than 1200 potential target genes. Our previous study showed that a decline in blood production in runting and stunting syndrome (RSS) affected sex-linked dwarf (SLD) chickens compared to SLD chickens. However, the association between BCL6 gene and hematopoietic function remains unknown in chickens. METHODS: In this study, we used RSS affected SLD (RSS-SLD) chickens, SLD chickens and normal chickens as research object and overexpression of BCL6 in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), to investigate the effect of the BCL6 on differentiation and development of HSCs. RESULTS: The results showed that comparison of RSS-SLD chickens with SLD chickens, the BCL6 was highly expressed in RSS-SLD chickens bone marrow. The bone marrow of RSS-SLD chickens was exhausted and red bone marrow was largely replaced by yellow bone marrow, bone density was reduced, and the levels of immature erythrocytes in peripheral blood were increased. At the same time, the hematopoietic function of HSCs decreased in RSS-SLD chickens, which was manifested by a decrease in the hematopoietic growth factors (HGFs) EPO, SCF, TPO, and IL-3, as well as hemoglobin α1 and hemoglobin ß expression. Moreover, mitochondrial function in the HSCs of RSS-SLD chickens was damaged, including an increase in ROS production, decrease in ATP concentration, and decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). The same results were also observed in SLD chickens compared with normal chickens; however, the symptoms were more serious in RSS-SLD chickens. Additionally, after overexpression of the BCL6 in primary HSCs, the secretion of HGFs (EPO, SCF, TPO and IL-3) was inhibited and the expression of hemoglobin α1 and hemoglobin ß was decreased. However, cell proliferation was accelerated, apoptosis was inhibited, and the HSCs entered a cancerous state. The function of mitochondria was also abnormal, ROS production was decreased, and ATP concentration and ΔΨm were increased, which was related to the inhibition of apoptosis of stem cells. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, we conclude that the high expression of BCL6 inhibits the differentiation and development of HSCs by affecting mitochondrial function, resulting in impaired growth and development of chickens. Moreover, the abnormal expression of BCL6 might be a cause of the clinical manifestations of chicken comb, pale skin, stunted growth and development, and the tendency to appear RSS in SLD chickens.

CFCs measurements at high altitudes in northern China during 2017-2018: Concentrations and potential emission source regions.

Northern China was simulated as the main contributor to global chlorofluorocarbon (CFCs) that slowed down the recovery of stratospheric ozone layer in most recent studies. An atmospheric campaign was carried out from June 2017 to April 2018 to register the concentrations of typical chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) (i.e., CFC-11, CFC-12, CFC-113, and CFC-114) at the top of Mount Tai, northern China. The mixing ratios of CFC-11 CFC-12, CFC-113, and CFC-114 were 257, 577, 80, and 18 pptv, respectively. These values are similar to the reported data 10 years ago at Mount Tai. CFC concentrations correlated well with those of benzene (an anthropogenic tracer) and were not affected by either humidity, temperature, or solar radiation. However, CFC concentrations were considerably influenced by regional transport: their backward trajectory and the PSCF (potential source contribution function) analysis suggested that higher concentrations (CFC-12, CFC-113 and CFC-114) were detected under the influence of air mass from the industrial regions in mid-eastern China and CFC-11 was through long-range transport from northwestern (i.e., from the higher atmosphere in western China) air masses. Overall, the findings of this study suggested that CFCs still have emissions in China, but no significant increase in recent years. Mid-eastern China might be responsible for the CFC emissions. The conclusions also highlight the need for the enforcement of effective control policies and the management of emissions, in order to avoid increasingly severe scenarios.